My name is Joanne Briscoe, and for over 20 years’ I was on the front lines of higher education, working as both a Director of Student Services and an Academic Advisor.

During my time helping countless students navigate college life, a recurring theme emerged: the transition was far more difficult than it needed to be. I watched as first-year students, especially those from under-resourced backgrounds, struggled to keep up. Orientation sessions and seminars, though well-intentioned, often felt like a firehose of information, overwhelming, easily forgotten, and too short to build a foundation for success. The critical information was being shared, but it was not being absorbed.

This was not just about getting good grades or passing a test; it was about a holistic life transition. Students needed college survival skills delivered not as a one-time blast, but in a focused format and cadence that allowed them to be absorbed, retained, and accessed when needed.

We create a supportive environment where this vital information is delivered over time, allowing for deep retention.

In January 2023, we welcomed our inaugural class of five students. We are proud to share that all five are still in college and have just started their junior year! In the spring of 2025, we grew to our 2nd class of ten students, all of whom are currently navigating college successfully.

We have seen first-hand that providing this consistent, holistic support allows students to not just survive college, but truly thrive. We look forward to watching our current and future students continue to achieve their higher education dreams!